Proboscis and Scorpion-Like Spider Pests on Plants

Spider Mites

• Spider mites are not scorpion-like nor do they have a proboscis. They are so tiny they are barely visible to the naked eye. At their biggest adult size they are not even 1/20 of an inch in length. The first sign of a spider mite infestation is usually a fine webbing on or between the leaves of the plant. When looked at through a magnifying glass, they look like tiny spiders or ticks. Spider mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions. Hose the plant down with a light spray of water in the sink or tub or outside to wash off the mites and any accumulated dust or webbing. Mist the plant in the morning to create an unpleasant environment for the mites. Water the plant as often as necessary to keep it healthy. Once or twice per week is usually sufficient, but this varies greatly depending on the plant and climate.

Springtails

• Springtails look a little like scorpions and have a springy proboscis on their back ends. Their elongated bodies are usually no more than 1/16 inch in length. They are white or dark gray and do not have wings. Their proboscis is used to propel them through the air, especially when they are disturbed. Watering the plant or moving it will usually cause a flurry of activity. These pests feed on dead matter and fungus in the soil. Peat-based potting mix that is predominately peat and soil that remains moist are preferred environments for these pests. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings if possible to keep springtails under control. Most houseplants will do fine if the top of the potting mix dries between waterings, but some must be kept consistently moist. In the case of extreme infestations, purchase new potting mix, take the plant outside, dump the old potting mix in the trash, hose off the container and plant to remove all springtails and repot the plant. Thoroughly clean the area where the plant is kept before placing it back in its location.

Thrips

• Thrips resemble scorpions when they are young and will even raise their tails as if to sting when disturbed. Young thrips can be orange, white or yellow and do not have wings. They have elongated bodies and are generally less than 1/16 inch in length. To the naked eye they may appear to be tiny threads. Adult thrips are dark gray to black, and their bodies are slightly thinner than their young. They have wings and can jump or run. Thrips scrape the plant leaves to feed on the juice, causing silvery, blotchy scars. Heavy infestations also result in shiny black spots on the leaves. Taking the plant outside and hosing it off with a gentle spray should eliminate most of the thrips.

Pesticides

• Use extreme caution when treating plants with pesticides, especially where spider mites are a problem. Pesticides containing carbaryl, certain organophosphates and certain pyrethroids will exacerbate a spider mite infestation. Neem oil, petroleum-based insecticidal oil and insecticidal soap may be used to treat both spider mites and thrips. Insecticides containing bifenthrin, permethrin, pyrethrins and resmethrin are effective for the treatment of thrips.